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Referrals and Diagnosis
Patients are referred to our services and programs by a specialist (such as a neurologist or ear, nose and throat physician) or by their family physician. Assessment begins at the UHN Centre for Advanced Hearing and Balance, where we conduct a variety of tests to identify balance problems.

Treatment and support
Once we identify the cause of the balance problem, many treatments exist to help treat or cure it. Physical repositioning techniques and drug therapy are often effective over time. Surgical techniques may also be used to treat certain disorders; if so, teams work with both the Toronto General Hospital’s otologic surgery team and Toronto Western Hospital’s neurosurgery team to determine the best course of action.

Support services, such as a Ménière's self-help group, are also available to help patients cope with balance disorders. To find out more about the Menière's self-help group, which meets the first Wednesday of each month at Toronto General Hospital, contact Heather Desroches at (416) 340-3666.

Useful Links

• UHN Health Information on Balance
• American Academy of Otolaryngology
• Ask NOAH about: the Ear and Hearing/Balance Disorders

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